Tanzania travel tips
Tanzania travel visa requirements
All travellers to Tanzania require a passport, valid for the duration of their tour in Tanzania. Entry points to Tanzania, currently offering visa services on entry are, the Dar Es Salaam Port and Airport, the Kilimanjaro International airport, the Namanga & Isebania entry posts on the road borders between Tanzania and Kenya and Zanzibar airport.Most nationalities can obtain an entry visa upon arrival or arrange the visa before arrival at the cost US $ 50 per person (USA & Irish passport holders US $ 100 per person.) Please take note some nationalities can only arrange the visa before arrival to Tanzania, while some nationalities do not require a Tanzania travel visa. We strongly recommend checking regulations with your local Tanzanian Embassy, as the above are subject to change without notice. We also recommend getting the visa in advance if you have tight connecting flights after arrival to Tanzania.
Tanzania language
English is widely spoken in Tanzania, but a few basic words of Swahili is always greatly appreciated.Money / Tanzania currency
Credit cards and travellers checks are not widely accepted in Tanzania. Where they are accepted can high service fees and poor exchange rates be expected. Major foreign currencies - particularly US $ - are accepted in Tanzania and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. If bringing cash in US $, please make sure bank notes are in good condition, with no cuts or damage and are not older than 2004. Most banks offer higher exchange rates for US $ 100 / US $ 50 bank notes compared to US $ 20 / US $ 10 or US $ 5 bank notes.Exchange rate
Use the currency calculator below to convert your currency to Tanzania Shilling (TZS).Tipping in Tanzania
We recommend tipping your safari driver guide US $ 20 to US $ 30 per group per day. We also recommend tipping porters at hotels, lodges and drivers transfering you between the airport / hotel.Tanzania travel and health
Yellow fever vaccinations are a legal requirement for entry into Tanzania. Please note you will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon your entry to Tanzania. We recommend that you take precautions against malaria (malaria only occurs in areas below 1 800m in altitude) prior to the commencement of your holiday. Adequate precautions must also be taken to avoid yourself being bitten by a mosquito. Kindly contact your closest Travel Clinic or medical practitioner.The tap water is not safe for drinking or brushing teeth. Please only use sealed mineral water.
Tanzania Climate
Generally dry and hot with cool nights/mornings from June-October, short rains from November to mid-December, long rains March-May but the seasons can vary.Tanzania travel clothing
Pack lightweight, washable clothes plus a sweater for early morning wildlife game drives, a sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Long sleeves and trousers in light-coloured fabrics help discourage insect bites. Shorts for women are acceptable (but not too short). Women should carry a wrap to cover legs in the village and towns as revealing clothes can cause offence. Staying at a Lodge, bring your swimsuit along.Baggage on safaris
Baggage on safari is limited to one bag, plus one small piece of hand baggage per person (excluding a camera bag). In total this should not weight more then 20kg. Suitcases and other heavier items can be stored in town hotels whilst clients are on safari.Tanzania travel photography
Bring film and batteries for your camera with you. Protect your camera from dust and keep equipment and film spools cool. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing the local Tanzanian people. If you intend to take a lot of people pictures, be sure to bring an instant camera with you so that you can leave a picture with people you photograph.Electricity in Tanzania
220v, but power failures, surges and troughs are common. Bring a universal adaptor and a torch (flashlight) or headlamp.Tanzania travel security
Tanzania is a generally safe country but don't invite temptation. Keep your eyes on your belongings. Don't walk in the towns or cities at night - take a taxi. Don't carry cameras or large amounts of cash, beware of pickpockets and hawkers. Use hotel safety deposit boxes to safeguard valuables and obtain a receipt. Leave valuable jewellery at home.Shopping in Tanzania
The Tourist areas and wildlife lodges sell a wide range of souvenirs, jewellery and trinkets. Don't be afraid to haggle at roadside stalls (Your driver/ guide will advise you where to shop and on a reasonable price). The most popular souvenirs are wooden carvings, curios, and a famous love stone which is the well known gem stone "Tanzanite" which are all widely sold at souvenir shops.Tanzania time zone
GMT +3 hoursInternational dialling code for Tanzania
+255 + area codeTanzania religion
Tanzania is predominantly a Christian country.Tanzania public holidays
1 Jan - New Year's Day12 Jan - Zanzibar Revolution Day
5 Feb - CCM Foundation Day
26 Apr - Union Day
01 May - Worker's Day
07 Jul - Peasant's Day (also called Saba Saba, which mean 7-7)
09 Dec - Tanganyika Independence Day
Muslim Festivals, including Ramadan, and Prophet's birthday, account for four days of public holiday, and their precise dates depend on the lunar calendar.
Good Friday and Easter Monday are also observed.
